A New Beginning by Marquis

A New Beginning by Marquis - December 2016 Scholarship Essay

Upon one frosty arrival home my junior year, a congratulatory letter from Harvard Square awaited me. Inside was an invitation to attend a three day visit at UMass Lowell University for the Congress of Future Medical Leaders. They stated, because of my academic achievements, I have proven that I would be a huge asset in the medical field; therefore, I decided I needed to seize this opportunity. Excitement flowed through me as I boasted with my parents, yet somehow a strange feeling stirred in my stomach. I watched my parents excited grin turn into anguished despair as they glared at the letter. My smile slowly fading, I dared to ask what was wrong. In the letter, in bold italic lettering, screamed the price of two thousand dollars. As I re-read the postcard again, disbelief flooded through me. Reality struck as I realized that this once in a lifetime opportunity slipped away from my grasp. We were not financially able to achieve that amount. The letter smudged from the streaks of my tears, my parents offered a comforting hand on my back.
There had to be a way. Under my immense sobs, I heard my parents mention they were sorry. There just had to be a way. Then an idea struck me as my parents uttered more comforting phrases. Why don't I fundraise? It's a good cause and a once in a lifeline opportunity? So I gathered enough strength to approach my parents once again and mustered the idea of fund raising. They assured me that it would be difficult, yet it can be achievable. They advised me not to procrastinate, as the due date for the money was mid spring. I explained to my parents that I'd take initiative and brainstorm ideas to help go. They offered their final say, then I was on my own for the next couple of months.
The first month I used to brainstorm ideas and ways to accommodate two thousands dollars. I contacted my high school on my own and had a brief meeting with the board of education to ask if I could fund raise. Although they thought my motives were pure, the school deemed I could not raise money; therefore, as heartbreaking as that was, I needed to find a different way. For the next months, I contacted many organizations to see if they could sponsor me and also created a go fund me account. Although it was rigorous work, I knew I could have a chance. I reached out to friends, as well as family, and asked for their support. As the frosty air turned into brisk cool nights, I knew the deadline was approaching. I received my biggest donation from a close friend of mine and just weeks before the money was due, I reached my goal.
Being able to seize this once in a lifetime opportunity provided to be my greatest accomplishment, yet months after thinking about the experience, I truly understand why I am so proud. It isn't because I was finally recognized for my academic successes, it was because I've learned so many valuable life experiences required for world. Those gruesome months of hard work prior to the trip taught me so many lessons. It taught me to plan way ahead, to keep track of my finances, to ask for help when I needed it, to not be afraid to contact higher authorities, and finally to never give up. These characteristics molded me into an independent young man, ready to face the world of college. Handling the adversity that I faced truly made me and everyone around me so proud. Ultimately, these newly found traits paved the start of my road to new beginnings.